Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin pizza is the ultimate fall-inspired comfort food. It’s rich and creamy without any dairy, uses whole ingredients, and offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herby notes. The pumpkin base adds a silky depth of flavor, while toppings like caramelized onions, kale, or mushrooms take it to the next level. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and a fun new way to enjoy pumpkin in a savory dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, vegan)
- Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion (optional, for caramelized topping)
- Fresh sage or rosemary
- Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- Salt and black pepper
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese
- Toppings: sautéed mushrooms, kale, caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, or arugula
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat, if using.
- Make Pumpkin Sauce: In a bowl, mix pumpkin purée with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll or stretch the pizza dough into your desired shape on a piece of parchment paper. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the pumpkin sauce evenly over the crust. Add your chosen toppings like sautéed mushrooms, kale, or caramelized onions. Finish with dollops or shreds of vegan cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly. Top with arugula, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra herbs before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Pumpkin: Add a spoonful of harissa or hot sauce to the pumpkin sauce for heat.
- Sweet-Savory: Add thin apple slices or a sprinkle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
- White Bean Base: Blend pumpkin with white beans for added protein and creaminess.
- Flatbread Version: Use naan or pita for a quick, individual-size flatbread pizza.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat for a crispy bottom crust.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
What crust works best?
A classic pizza dough or thin-crust style works well. Pre-baked or cauliflower crusts also work if you’re short on time.
Is vegan cheese necessary?
Not at all! The pumpkin sauce is creamy enough on its own, but vegan cheese adds richness and texture if you like.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza crust or base of your choice.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Don’t overload the sauce, and preheat your baking surface to help crisp the crust from underneath.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the pumpkin sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
What herbs go well with pumpkin?
Sage, thyme, and rosemary all pair beautifully with pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Add seasoned tofu, tempeh, white beans, or vegan sausage for a protein boost.
What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
You can skip it or substitute with a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Can I freeze this pizza?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze baked slices and reheat them in the oven for best texture.
Conclusion
Vegan Pumpkin Pizza is a fun, flavorful, and cozy way to celebrate fall. With its creamy pumpkin base, savory toppings, and crisp crust, it’s a beautiful fusion of seasonal comfort and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this pizza offers a deliciously unique take on pizza night.
PrintVegan Pumpkin Pizza
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Ingredients
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Instructions
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